NFL schedule to be released Tuesday according to ESPN programming

AP File PhotoEveryone should be looking to the game between the Lions and 49ers, even though the build up will focused around coaches Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh and last season's post-game handshake drama.

The NFL sure knows how to milk the year-round interest in their product.

The league hasn't officially announced Tuesday as the release date, but ESPN has a program titled NFL Schedule Release scheduled for 7-10 p.m. that evening. The description states:

"A look a the top NFL games for 2012, plus team-by-team evaluations and interviews with key personnel."

Outside of the traditional divisional matchups, the Lions will have three additional games against 2011 playoff qualifiers. They will host the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans, and will travel to San Francisco for a highly anticipated clash with the 49ers. The Texans are widely-believed to be this season's Thanksgiving opponent.

Other interesting matchups will include a visit from the Indianapolis Colts and rookie quarterback Andrew Luck (unless they stun everyone and draft Robert Griffin III) and a road trip to Philadelphia.